FIFA extends cooperation with the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry

FIFA is committed and pays great attention to its social responsibility, and thereby makes an essential contribution to governing football in a spirit of partnership. At the same time, the fight against child labour and forced labour, as well as endeavours to improve working conditions and environmental protection, are becoming ever more important.

As world football’s governing body, FIFA is not only in constant contact with its member associations but also with international development agencies, non-governmental organisations and various other stakeholders who wish to use the game of football to effect positive social change.

This cooperation with experienced and well-connected organisations opens up additional resources and opportunities as well as know-how and support structures to help implement football-based programmes at the grass roots. Social responsibility is a key issue for FIFA.

To draw more attention to this responsibility, FIFA has extended its cooperation and exchanges with the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).

Promoting fair trade, combating child labour
As the world governing body for the sporting goods industry, the WFSGI strives to promote fair and environmentally friendly working conditions. The WFSGI’s ideals are identical to those of sport. The organisation campaigns for fairness, honesty, mutual understanding and high ethical standards in factories that produce sporting goods.

Many companies are already focusing on global, social and ecological developments such as climate change, resource depletion and employment and health issues.

These issues are also very important to FIFA. The cooperation between FIFA and the WFSGI will focus on the fight against child labour and forced labour, as well as on improving working conditions and environmental protection.
Code of conduct and recognised guidelines
As one of the first steps, FIFA has increased the requirements for its licensees as part of the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs. Licensees must now comply fully with the WFSGI Code of Conduct and no longer merely confirm that child labour was not used in the ball production process.

For the new FIFA Quality Programme for Goal-Line Technology, meanwhile, adherence to WFSGI guidelines will also be a basic prerequisite for the conclusion of a licensing contract.

The WFSGI Code of Conduct does not just focus on child labour, but also lays down other internationally recognised guidelines for working hours, health and safety at work, forced labour and environmental protection. The WFSGI will only issue the relevant confirmation once it has conducted in-depth checks, and only companies that meet the international minimum requirements will be eligible to become FIFA licensees.